Hagel: US not working unilaterally with Taliban

US Defence Secretary stressed that Afghan President Hamid Karzai that the U.S. isn t negotiating with the Taliban as Afghan President Hamid Karzai alleged. “I told the president it was not true that the U.S. was unilaterally working with the Taliban” Hagel told reporters in Kabul after meeting Karzai. “The fact is any prospect for peace or political settlements has to be led by the Afghans. Obviously the US will support efforts if they re led by the Afghans to come to some possible resolution if that eventually evolves.” Hagel also expressed Washington s support for “efforts if they are led by the Afghans to come to some possible resolution.” Earlier today Karzai said in an e-mailed statement that the Taliban are holding peace talks daily with the U.S. and negotiations are going on “in Gulf and European countries.” Karzai s comments are “completely untrue” and “no talks are ongoing,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said by e-mail.